10 Best Romance Manga You Should Read
Romance manga has this magical ability to make your heart flutter one moment and completely shatter it the next. Whether you’re someone who swoons over love at first sight or you’re all about that slow-burn, there’s a manga out there that’ll hook you in completely.
In this list, we’re diving into 10 of the best romance manga that you have to check out—ranked from #10 to the ultimate #1. Grab your tissues and some chocolates, because you’re in for an emotional ride!
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#10: Strobe Edge – The Sweet Pain of First Love
“Strobe Edge” is a gentle yet emotionally charged tale about Ninako, a high school girl who falls for the ever-popular Ren. What makes this manga so touching is how raw and innocent it feels. It captures that confusing, exciting, and sometimes painful feeling of first love.
What’s great is that it doesn’t rely on dramatic plot twists or love triangles for tension. Instead, it thrives on emotional honesty. If you’ve ever had a crush that just didn’t seem possible, this one will hit close to home.
Why read it?
It’s relatable, heartwarming, and a perfect intro to the world of romance manga.
#9: Ao Haru Ride – When Love Is Bittersweet
“Blue Spring Ride,” or Ao Haru Ride, is all about second chances and emotional growth. Futaba used to be quiet and girly, but she changes herself to fit in. Then, her first love reappears—but he’s not quite the same guy she remembers.
This manga is a rollercoaster of emotions. The characters are messy, just like real people, and the story doesn’t shy away from the awkward parts of love. It’s not just about falling in love—it’s about growing into someone who can handle love.
Why read it?
It’s a beautifully written journey about rediscovering yourself and love.
#8: Kimi ni Todoke – Shy Girl, Big Heart
Sawako might look scary, but she’s actually the sweetest girl ever. “Kimi ni Todoke” tells the story of how she slowly opens up and builds real friendships—and maybe even falls in love with the school’s golden boy, Kazehaya.
This one’s a slow burn, and honestly, that’s what makes it so satisfying. Watching Sawako grow more confident and seeing the relationship develop inch by inch is like watching a flower bloom in real time.
Why read it?
If you’re into sweet, wholesome romance with a strong emotional core, this one’s for you.
#7: Horimiya – A Slice-of-Life With A Twist
Don’t let the simple high school setting fool you—Horimiya packs a punch with its honest look at how people wear different masks in different parts of their lives. Hori is the popular girl, while Miyamura is the quiet, nerdy guy—at least on the surface.
Their unexpected friendship turns into a beautiful romance that feels incredibly real. It’s full of laughter, awkward moments, and the kind of genuine emotion that makes you smile like an idiot while reading.
Why read it?
It’s effortlessly relatable and gives you characters that feel like real people.
Related:
10 Best Manga Like Horimiya
#6: Lovely★Complex – Love That’s Not So Average
Ever seen a love story between a really tall girl and a short guy? Lovely★Complex dives into that dynamic with humor and heart. Risa and Otani are constantly bickering, teasing, and being total goofballs—but there’s a deeper connection bubbling underneath all that chaos.
The best part? Their chemistry. It’s rare to find a couple with this much banter and charm. Plus, it shows that love doesn’t have to fit into perfect little boxes.
Why read it?
It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and proof that opposites really do attract.
#5: My Little Monster – Chaos Meets Love
If you’re into wild characters and unexpected pairings, this one’s for you. “My Little Monster” throws together a cold, studious girl (Shizuku) and an unpredictable troublemaker (Haru). Their personalities clash in every possible way—but somehow, that’s what makes them click.
The romance is messy, the characters are flawed, and the story? Completely addictive. This manga isn’t afraid to let its characters be awkward or make mistakes, which makes it feel refreshingly human.
Why read it?
It’s quirky, chaotic, and will leave you wanting more.
#4: Kaguya-sama: Love is War – Mind Games & Heartstrings
Love is war—and the battlefield is the student council office. In this one-of-a-kind rom-com, Kaguya and Miyuki are in love with each other, but neither wants to be the one to admit it first. What follows is an endless stream of mind games, strategic flirting, and hilarious misunderstandings.
Underneath all the comedy, though, there’s a surprisingly emotional core. You’ll laugh a lot, but don’t be surprised if you also tear up when the story dives into the characters’ vulnerabilities.
Why read it?
It’s witty, smart, and packed with emotional depth behind the laughs.
#3: Your Lie in April – Tragic, Beautiful, Unforgettable
Get ready for some tears. “Your Lie in April” tells the story of Kousei, a piano prodigy who lost his ability to hear music after his mother’s death. Then he meets Kaori—a vibrant violinist who pulls him back into the world of music and life itself.
This isn’t your typical romance. It’s about inspiration, healing, and how love can change someone forever—even if it’s only for a short time.
Why read it?
It’s deeply emotional and will linger in your heart long after you finish it.
#2: Fruits Basket – Love, Loss, and Transformation
This classic mixes romance with fantasy, following Tohru Honda and the mysterious Sohma family, who are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac. But it’s not just a gimmick—the story digs deep into themes of trauma, acceptance, and the many forms love can take.
Tohru’s kindness slowly breaks down the emotional walls of everyone she meets, and the romance that blooms is as much about healing as it is about affection.
Why read it?
It’s rich, emotional, and blends fantasy with real-world heartache and hope.
#1: Nana – Love in All Its Raw, Real Glory
“Nana” isn’t just a romance manga—it’s a story about life. Two girls named Nana meet by chance and end up living together, their lives becoming more entangled with each passing day. One dreams of rock stardom, the other of perfect love.
What makes Nana unforgettable is how brutally honest it is. It shows the highs and devastating lows of love, ambition, heartbreak, and friendship. No fairytale endings here—just raw, real emotion that feels like it came straight out of your soul.
Why read it?
Because it’s more than a romance—it’s a masterpiece that explores the human heart in all its messy beauty.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—10 of the best romance manga you absolutely need to read. Whether you’re looking for something sweet and wholesome or raw and emotionally intense, this list has something for every kind of romantic out there. Romance manga isn’t just about couples—it’s about growth, healing, laughter, heartbreak, and everything in between.
Got your next read picked out already? Go ahead and dive in—love is waiting on every page. ❤️📚
